| Theme |
The Eye in Hemodialysis Patients |
| Title |
Retinal pigment epitheliopathy |
| Author |
Yoshihiro Sakamoto |
Department of Ophthalmology, National Hospital Organization, Osaka National Hospital |
| Author |
Yoshihiro Saito |
Department of Ophthalmology, National Hospital Organization, Osaka National Hospital |
| [ Summary ] |
Retinal pigment epitheliopathy which means the damage of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is often observed in patients receiving hemodialysis. Histopathologically, the normal structure of the sensory retina and RPE is lost, and there is epithelial overgrowth or proliferation, RPE cell migration into the retina is also observed.
As RPE takes on the role of support for the sensory retina, in terms of physics and physiology, irreversible damage of the RPE leads to disorders of the sensory retina. RPE damage is caused by (1) RPE alone, (2) choroidal change, and (3) retinal change. When the RPE receives irreversible damage, there is no treatment, so prevention is important. |